Smuggling of drugs in Punjab jails to be checked: Phillaur

The Punjab government today said it would intensify efforts to check the smuggling of drugs and mobile phones allegedly used by the prisoners in jails. Jail minister Sarwan Singh Phillaur said the activities of staff posted in jails and under-trials would also be closely monitored.

The Punjab government today said it would intensify efforts to check the smuggling of drugs and mobile phones allegedly used by the prisoners in jails. Jail minister Sarwan Singh Phillaur said the activities of staff posted in jails and under-trials would also be closely monitored.

There are about 19,000 prisoners in the jails of Punjab.

In order to curb the growing drug addiction among the inmates, the state government had already taken a decision to set up well-equipped drug de-addiction centres in all central jails.

Phillaur was addressing a state-level meeting of jail officers, according to an official release here.

Addressing the officers, the minister said that modalities have already been worked out to engage prisoners in some sustainable and economically viable projects within prison premises through participation of local industry so that they could become a part of mainstream after their release.

A few industrial houses have been approached by the department, he said.

On security issues, Phillaur said that jammers in high-security jails of Nabha and Sangrur would be installed mainly to check the use of mobile phones.

Video-conferencing facilities to simplify the cumbersome process of appearance of under-trials in the courts would also be extended.

To discourage prisoners from drug addiction, the government has initiated 'Prisoners' Olympics' to promote physical fitness among jail inmates through sports.

The first such meet was held in Patiala recently and the next would be held in February 2013 at Ludhiana, he added.